OS&D
What is OS&D (over, short and damaged)?
OS&D, over, short and damaged, is the handling of freight that does not match its paperwork: more arrived than expected (over), less (short), or it arrived broken or wet (damaged). The category covers both the event and the process around it: recording what actually arrived, notifying the right party while the driver is still there, and starting the claim with a record instead of a phone call a week later.
What each case needs
- Over: note what arrived, hold it apart from stock, and tell the shipper before it is put away and disappears into the warehouse.
- Short: count twice, record the count on the BOL with the driver present, and reference the ASN or purchase order the shortfall is measured against.
- Damaged: photograph the piece where it sits, note the condition on the delivery receipt, and keep the packaging until the claim closes.
Why the driver's presence decides it
Once the driver leaves, the carrier's liability position changes and the argument moves to signatures. An exception noted at the door, on the signed delivery copy, with photographs taken before the truck pulled out, is a claim that can be settled. The same discovery made the next morning is a claim that gets investigated.